Latest news with #embassyClosure
LBCI
20-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Switzerland temporarily closes its embassy in Iran
Switzerland announced Friday the temporary closure of its embassy in Tehran, adding that it would continue to fulfil its role representing U.S. interests in Iran. "In view of the intensity of military operations in Iran and the highly unstable situation on the ground, the FDFA has decided to temporarily close the Swiss embassy in Tehran," the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. AFP
Irish Times
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Irish embassy in Tehran closed due to ‘deteriorating situation'
The Irish embassy in Tehran, Iran has been temporarily closed with staff being relocated to Ireland amid a 'deteriorating situation'. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris said he had become 'increasingly concerned' about environment in which the embassy was functioning and the ability of diplomatic staff to work safely. 'It is in light of the deteriorating situation, following consultation with my officials and in very close consultation and co-ordination with EU partners, I have now decided to temporarily relocate our personnel from Tehran,' he said. Mr Harris said the relocation of staff was 'not a decision that I have taken lightly.' READ MORE 'Arrangements have been made for the embassy to continue its operations from our Dublin headquarters. Staff at my department's headquarters have now assumed the embassy's consular functions, and they remain in contact with the small number of Irish citizens remaining in Iran,' he said. The arrangements will continue until it is possible and safe for personnel to return to Iran, he said, and thanked ambassador to Iran, Laoise Moore and her staff for operating under 'very, very challenging circumstances.' Mr Harris reiterated advice that Irish citizens should not to travel to Iran or Israel. 'Citizens who live there and who wish to leave might consider departing through one of the land borders that is open as long as it is safe to do so,' he said. Mr Harris said he will continue to monitor the situation in the region and will be engaging with EU counterparts. 'My hope is that a diplomatic solution can be found to resolve this very dangerous conflict without further escalation or further loss of life in Iran or Israel,' he added.
Al Arabiya
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Switzerland temporarily closes Iran embassy, UK withdraws embassy staff
Switzerland announced Friday the temporary closure of its embassy in Tehran, adding that it would continue to fulfil its role representing US interests in Iran. 'In view of the intensity of military operations in Iran and the highly unstable situation on the ground, the FDFA has decided to temporarily close the Swiss embassy in Tehran,' the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. Meanwhile, the UK said it had withdrawn its embassy staff from Iran on the eighth day of the war with Israel, as the US mulled whether to enter the conflict. 'Due to the current security situation, we have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily withdraw our UK staff from Iran. Our embassy continues to operate remotely,' the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Australia withdraws embassy officials from Tehran
Australia's foreign minister announced the country closed its embassy in Tehran Friday and evacuated staff and their families. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said it was due to the 'deteriorating security environment,' and urged Australian citizens still in Iran to leave quickly.
SBS Australia
20-06-2025
- Politics
- SBS Australia
Tehran embassy to close, Wong urges Australians who can safely leave Iran to 'do so now'
Australia has closed its embassy in Tehran, as Iran and Israel continue to bomb each other and after United States President Donald Trump signalled the US could enter the conflict. All Australian foreign affairs staff and their dependents in the Iranian capital have been told to leave "based on advice about the deteriorating security environment". The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is deploying consular staff to Azerbaijan, including its border crossings, to support Australians departing Iran. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Friday: "We urge Australians who are able to leave Iran to do so now, if it is safe." "Those who are unable to, or do not wish to leave, are advised to shelter in place," she said. "We are continuing planning to support Australians seeking to depart Iran, and we remain in close contact with other partner countries." "Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters in Washington, quoting a message from Trump. The conflict between Israel and Iran erupted a week ago, when the former launched an attack against the Islamic republic's missile capabilities, claiming it was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons. Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 639 people and wounded 1,300 others, according to a Washington-based Iranian human rights group. Israel says Iran's retaliatory strikes have killed at least 24 and wounded hundreds more. Iran has warned of "all-out war" if the US joins the fray. There are now more than 2,000 Australians who have registered for assistance to leave Iran, up from 1,500 on Thursday. "It's a difficult, hard situation, the airspace is still closed," Health Minister Mark Butler told Seven's Sunrise program on Friday. "We'll be exploring every opportunity we can to support people getting out in other ways." The government has already helped Australians flee Israel using a border crossing to Jordan, and some of those people only got 55 minutes to get moving. "When the opportunity arises to get people out, we take that opportunity," Butler said. There are still more than 1,200 Australians registered for assistance to depart Israel, where the airspace is also closed.
